Coalition of Travel Agents Forming to Request Investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice into American Airlines Business Practices Regarding Air Ticket Sales to Cuba
MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Airlines’ recent announcement that it will begin flights to
Cuba in September has resulted in numerous passengers calling to cancel
their air tickets on approved air charter flights to Cuba.
American Airlines stated in a press release on June 22nd
that, “beginning September 7, American will start scheduled service from
Miami to five cities in Cuba….” American Airlines made this announcement
and has begun selling these flights even though the airline is well
aware that the Cuban Government has not granted any landing rights to
American Airlines and has not approved flights to the Juan Gualberto
Gómez Airport in Matanzas, which serves Varadero, one of American
Airlines proposed destinations in Cuba.
A coalition of travel agents and tour operators is forming to request
the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Transportation
investigate whether American Airlines’ business practice of advertising
and selling flights for which it has not yet received all government
approvals, and may not receive such approvals prior to the scheduled
start date, is deceptive and harmful to passengers.
The coalitions also will request investigation of the current ticket
prices offered by American Airlines for its proposed flights to Cuba.
The coalition is concerned that these prices appear to be below the
airline’s cost of operations and are an attempt to drive the U.S.-Cuba
air charter industry out of business through predatory pricing. An
American Airlines pilot recently flying with an air charter operator in
Orlando told a representative that “we are going to put you out of
business!” The coalition’s members understand that the U.S.-Cuba market
must evolve in response to the resumption of scheduled service later
this year. They just ask that it do so in a fair, not deceptive and
predatory, manner.
For additional information and booking opportunities, customers may
contact Island Travel & Tours at 813-872-8313 or www.islandtraveltours.com.
Contacts
Island Travel & Tours, Ltd.
William J. Hauf, 619-997-4171
